High Coffee Prices and Smooth Harvest
Table of Contents
The 2014–2015 coffee harvest in Gia Lai Province has been underway for over a month, bringing steady incomes for seasonal workers and giving local coffee growers peace of mind. With nearly 80,000 hectares of coffee, most already in production, the western districts are in full harvest. Farmers are especially pleased that early-season coffee prices are much higher than last year.
Seasonal Workers Secure Stable Income
Unlike previous years, there is no frantic rush to find pickers. Farm owners now recruit workers ahead of time, returning to their hometowns to bring seasonal labor to their own and neighboring plantations. Workers from the lowland provinces are free at this time because their own planting season has not begun—allowing them to earn extra income during the coffee harvest.
-
Nguyễn Đình Việt from Ia Grai district explained that for every 100 kg of fresh cherries harvested, workers are paid 70,000–80,000 VND. On average, each person can pick 200–250 kg per day, earning a steady daily income even with a shortage of pickers.
-
In Chư Prông district, Phạm Thị Hoa hires laborers from other provinces before harvest to ensure a smooth season. Her 2-hectare coffee farm takes about two months to harvest, and pickers are paid 3.6–3.8 million VND per month, including meals and lodging.
Workers can choose between piece-rate pay or a fixed daily wage of about 150,000 VND per person. Working hours are comfortable: 7:00–11:00 AM and 1:00–4:30 PM, after which harvested cherries are brought in.
-
Rmah Mép from Phú Thiện district shared that each of his group earns around 200,000 VND per day, with meals provided by the farm owner, making the work both profitable and convenient.
Strong Security Reduces Coffee Theft
Coffee theft, a regular concern during harvest, has been effectively controlled this year.
-
Ngô Thanh Việt from Đak Đoa district said: “This year there has been no coffee theft like in previous years. Nearly every village has formed self-managed security teams to patrol the fields. Strangers are immediately checked and monitored. Farm owners give these teams a small allowance.”
-
These community patrols, supported by regular police, ensure farms are protected. Neighboring farm owners also take turns watching over each other’s plantations, helping safeguard crops and property.
A Profitable and Safe Coffee Season
Thanks to higher coffee prices, organized seasonal labor recruitment, and strong local security measures, the 2014–2015 Gia Lai coffee harvest is proving both profitable and secure. Farmers and workers alike are benefiting from a smooth, well-protected harvest season.